On 12 August 2020 we sadly said goodbye to Chris Graham Bell.

Chris was a pioneer of the LGBTQ community and a successful business leader too. He was also a very good friend with a wonderfully dry wit and a generous heart. 

Since 1974 he was instrumental  in supporting LGBTQ rights and supporting the community through an extensive range of news and lifestyle magazines, books, videos/dvds, shops and later online stores, media sites, and mobile apps. He was the founder of Millivres and Camden's Zipperstore, the publisher of Gay Times (founded 1974), DIVA (founded 1994), and later Millivres Multimedia film distribution division (founded 1998) he also instigated a merger with Prowler Ltd (2000) and acquired The Pink Paper and AXM in 2008 and 2009 respectively. 

Chris worked tirelessly behind the scenes, whilst others who worked for him often enjoyed the headlines and plaudits. He was often the unsung hero of his business's successes. This did not go unrecognised. Chris won many awards for his endeavours, most notably The Brian Kennedy Award in 1995 for significant contribution to the community and In 2011 he was honoured for Life-time Achievement in the Independent on Sunday's Pink List. In 2013 he sold his majority share of the business and went into semi-retirement creating the Chris Graham Bell Trust, to promote equality and diversity in the UK and to help eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, and to promote  awareness, and a better understanding of the LGBTQ Community.

After his time at Millivres Chris supported many community charities, and in recent years he joined the Samaritans where he found much pleasure putting his extensive business and accounting knowledge to work as Treasurer and Trustee of the Central London Samaritans. 

Chris passed away peacefully in his sleep and will be missed by many who had the pleasure of his company and benefitted from his support, wisdom and kindness. 

Please donate in his memory today by supporting the work of Central London Samaritans. 

#RestInPride #ThankYouCGB

Photo: Chris Graham Bell from Gay Times Feb 2006. See Gallery for more photos of Chris. 

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